Scott Kingery spent just a half-inning at the major league level last season.

Kingery, a once promising prospect who earned a six-year $24 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies before even playing a game at the major league level used considered to be the next great infielder for the organization. 

Now, even his good friend and Rhys Hoskins admits that Kingery is nothing more than a “forgotten prospect” outside of the small, but strong contingent of believers that Jetpax SZN is alive and well. 

Yes, that would be me, however his numbers this Spring will back that claim. 

With the departure of both Nick Maton and Matt Vierling, roster spots were open heading into camp down in Clearwater.

Kingery capitalized, slashing .340/.415/.447 in 53 plate appearances during Spring Training.

Even with a strong performance in Clearwater, Kingery was reassigned to minor-league camp on Monday and will now start the 2023 season with Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

The Return of Scott Kingery and Jetpax SZN is now on hold.

The almost 29-year old Kingery will once again be one of the highest paid players in the minor league system after earning a $24 million contract before even playing a game at the major league level.

Once considered the next great Phillies’ infielder, Kingery found himself considered an outcast and an all-around bust by the Phillies organization and the fanbase that once loved him.

Of course, there were plenty of people to blame.

Kingery dealt with a nasty case of COVID a few years ago followed by surgery on a torn labrum in July of 2021.

That’s not even considering the drastic swing change that the Phillies organization put upon their prized second base prospect to “swing for more fly balls” while also NEVER playing him at second base at the major league level. 

Needless to say, Kingery’s development was mismanaged (surprise, surprise), while illnesses and injuries certainly slowed his comeback. 

This offseason however, was different for Kingery.

He was finally healthy and spent four days a week working with Phillies’ hitting coach Kevin Long and former Diamondbacks star Luis Gonzalez, who lived just 20 minutes away from Kingery’s hometown of Scottsdale, Arizona. 

Read More from Kingery on The Athletic >>

While the much anticipated return of “JetpaxSZN” is currently on hold, I would bet my life on the Philadelphia Phillies calling upon Scott Kingery at some point this season.

For now, he’ll be in Triple-A getting daily at-bats to maintain the momentum from Clearwater.

Join The Chase